Residents Vow War Of Words Against Plan

COVENTRY — Residents vowed Monday to unleash a war of words against the latest state proposal that would build an expressway as an alternative to Route 6.

About 80 people attended a forum on the proposal, referred to as Alternative 133A. The forum was sponsored by the town council and two groups opposed to the project. The state Department of Transportation was invited, but did not attend.

A map on the wall at the Patriot's Park Community Center gave residents the clearest idea so far which houses could be lost if the road were built. Gov. John G. Rowland has backed the plan and the state has applied for a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Town officials said the project faces a tough review by the Corps and the federal Environmental Protection Agency, which also can veto it.

Opponents say the expressway would be environmentally destructive and decrease the quality of life in Coventry in a variety of ways. Local officials prefer an upgrade of Route 6, which they say would address safety concerns, protect the environment and be less expensive.

Matthew O'Brien, a former council member and the town's representative on Route 6 issues, told residents that writing to the Corps and EPA could help derail the project. The environmental impact, especially on sensitive wetlands, is contrary to state and federal policy, he said.

``I think we have the law on our side,'' he said. ``You ought to be outraged and you ought to be fighting mad.''

Some residents initially sounded skeptical that a letter-writing campaign would do much good.

Resident Herbert Van Kruiningen, who said he has been involved in fighting expressway proposals in the area for more than 25 years, gave his neighbors a pep talk.

``You should not get discouraged,'' he said. ``We have been succeeding for more than 25 years.''

The new plan would require 23 to 25 homes be acquired by the state to make way for the expressway, which would cut through south Coventry. The state has already acquired 18 houses in Coventry, Town Manager John Elsesser said.

Town officials said that writing the Corps and EPA may be residents only chance to express their views. No public hearing is currently scheduled on the permit. The Corps will accept comments until June 12, Elsesser said.

Opponents hope that the new proposal is rejected and the debate returns to upgrading Route 6. O'Brien said the new proposal has drawn support from Columbia, Bolton and Andover because most of the burden falls on Coventry.